IP38 vs IP59K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP59K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 9K). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP59K provides dust-protected and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
The IP59K classification guarantees dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP59K
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP59K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP59K
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP59K
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP59K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP59K
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP59K)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP59K
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP59K provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP59K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP59K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP59K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP59K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP59K offers higher overall protection than IP38. Choose IP59K for harsher environments; IP38 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.